United, ranked #10 in HS clubs, and Olympus, ranked #12 among single schools, met Saturday in Utah Youth Rugby action, and played a hard, competitive non-conference match.

Photos courtesy Utah Youth Rugby. Olympus in green, United in red.

United had been dealt a couple of tough losses this season, but rallied Saturday to beat Olympus 29-19. The game started out close as both teams had equal opportunities to score but neither could capitalize. It wasn't until the 20th minute that flyhalf Darian Power made a break just inside the Olympus 22 and scored under the posts. The conversion was good and United led 7-0. Olympus tried to fight their way back but superb defense from United stopped their attempt to score. United scored another try after a grubber kick from Power landed in-goal and he recovered it to put the score at 12-0.

Olympus responded by forcing United to mishandle the ball deep in their own 22. From the ensuing scrum, Olympus used their forwards to work the ball over, and, with the conversion, made it 12-7. That's how it stayed until halftime.

In the second half, Olympus came storming back and scored a quick try in the corner tying the game 12-12. United kicked off deep into the Olympus 22 and forced a handling error. From the scrum, United sent their forwards up the gut and prop Mason Wooden scored under the posts. That made it 19-12, but against Olympus replied. After back-and-forth play, Olympus got a penalty in United's half. After a quick tap and chip over the top, Olympus recovered the ball and scored under the posts to tie the game once more 19-19.

With about 10 minutes to go center Brandon Tafoya made a break down the sideline and looked like he was about score, but was taken down by the Olympus cover defense. But the tackle was ruled an illegal, no-wrap tackle by the referee, and the laws state that if a player who is prevented from scoring a try by an illegal tackle, that's a penalty try. The conversion in front of the posts was good, and United led 26-19. With only a few minutes to go United was awarded a penalty right in front of the posts about 40 meters away. Power nailed the penalty kick, sealing the game 29-19.

United was led in part by the center pairing of Ben Webber and Brandon, who tested the Olympus defense and also defended well.

Next up for both teams are key league games, with United facing TC Fusion, and Olympus against Box Elder.